Environmental peacebuilding has emerged as a new frontier in interdisciplinary studies, which seeks to go beyond the traditional role of natural resources or environmental change in general in triggering and exacerbating conflicts, but to look at the positive peacebuilding potential of environmental and natural resources in not only post-conflict societies but also fragile societies with weak governance and nation states that are at perpetual conflict with each other (that may not necessarily be physical in nature) over environmental resources or otherwise. Science diplomacy also aims at building bridges between societies where formal relationships are strained, strengthening partnerships between scientific and diplomatic communities and so on. The two conceptual frameworks, at the outset, seem to have common goals; and therefore, if they are aligned with each other, can they provide better solutions to the problems of the 21stcentury?
In general, the role of science in environmental diplomacy, whether it is in terms of fostering research collaborations between countries or communities, or in terms of its role in environmental treaty-making, has been under deliberation for a long time. However, how can science contribute to peacebuilding between nations and communities that are at war with each other or are hostile against each other through environmental cooperation? This is a question that needs to be addressed more seriously and urgently at a time when environmental degradation and climate-fragility risks are posing challenges to peace and stability in many parts of the world. At the same time, it is also critical to explore ways in which science could engender or advance diplomatic initiatives in the environmental arena, by acting as a preventive diplomacy tool, and contributing to international peace. Science, being often labelled a double-edged sword, needs to be attuned to a conflict-sensitive approach for better results in peacebuilding. Similarly, environmental peacebuilding efforts could also have backdraft effects, if the mitigation and adaptation initiatives are not scientifically, socioeconomically and politically sound.
In this context, this webinar series on science diplomacy and environmental peacebuilding seeks to explore the role of science diplomacy in environmental peacebuilding; examine the interlinkages between science diplomacy and environmental peacebuilding through empirical cases from various regions; and identify the institutions and stakeholders at international, regional and local levels that could operationalise or implement science diplomacy-environmental peacebuilding initiatives. The first webinar will focus on Cyprus; the second on polar regions (Arctic and Antarctic); and the third of oceans and maritime issues.
Webinar #3
The third in a webinar series discussing prospects for science diplomacy and environmental peacebuilding in the context of various regions will be on Ocean Governance. With:
- Dr. Leandra R Gonçalves, postdoctoral researcher at the Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- James Borton, faculty associate at the Walker Center, University of South Carolina, United States.
Moderated by Dr. Dhanasree Jayaram, Co-Coordinator, Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, and Earth System Governance Research Fellow.
Webinar #2
The second in a webinar series discussing prospects for science diplomacy and environmental peacebuilding in the context of various regions will be the Polar Regions. With:
- Dr. Klaus Dodds, Professor of Geopolitics, Department of Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom
- Dr. Cassandra Brooks, Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, United States of America.
Moderated by Dr. Dhanasree Jayaram, Co-Coordinator, Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, and Earth System Governance Research Fellow.
Webinar #1
The first in a webinar series discussing prospects for science diplomacy and environmental peacebuilding in the context of various regions will be about Cypres and the Mediterranean region. With:
- Dr. Simge Davulcu, Assistant Professor in Organic Chemistry, Girne American University, Girne/Kyrenia, Cyprus
- Dr. Myrtani Pieri, Assistant Professor, School of Sciences and Engineering, Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Cyprus
Moderated by Dr. Dhanasree Jayaram, Co-Coordinator, Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, and Earth System Governance Research Fellow.
The webinar series has been made possible with support from the following networks and institutions:
- Centre for Climate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Environmental Peacebuilding Association
- Earth System Governance Project
- Early Career Researchers Network of Networks (Future Earth)
- Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
- International Consortium of Research Staff Associations
- Network of Early-Career Sustainable Scientists & Engineers
- Responsible Research and Innovation Networking Globally
- Young Ecosystem Services Specialists
